Fifty years ago, groups of college students began investigating problems from shady business practices to illegal pollution. They called themselves PIRG — Public Interest Research Groups. Soon, more PIRGs formed, and then new organizations with new missions — Fund for the Public Interest, Environment America, Green Century, Green Corps, National Environmental Law Center, Frontier Group — all under the banner of The Public Interest Network. Together, this network has achieved thousands of milestones on the path to a greener, healthier America. Here are some of them.
Conservation
Nature for nature’s sake
Protection of America’s most beautiful natural places often has turned on small shifts in public opinion and political will. Here are three campaigns that tipped the balance in favor of nature for nature’s sake.
Zero waste
Turning toward zero waste
Public opinion has shifted against the throwaway culture. Meet the people translating the shift into new policies and practices governing bottles and cans, plastic bags and other of our country’s wasteful ways.
Clean energy
The rise of renewable energy
The growth of clean, renewable American energy is accelerating. Find out how advocates, organizers and activists fueled the growth through the Million Solar Roofs Initiative, commitments to 100% clean electricity, and more.
Consumer protection
Consumers demand better
In today’s world, we can afford rules that deliver greater safety, honesty and security to consumers. Learn how PIRG has served as a force to hold companies accountable and help consumers demand better.
Public health
An ounce of prevention
We have the means to live far longer and healthier lives – if we put public health first. Here are three stories of how PIRG advocates and activists called attention to threats to our health that we should no longer tolerate.
In the states
Laboratories of democracy
From toxic waste cleanup to auto emission standards, the states have served as laboratories for innovative solutions to social problems. Check out four examples of state advocates advancing smart policies.
Students
Students as citizens
PIRG campus chapters offers students a taste of what it means to be an effective agent for change in the world outside the university. Here’s how it all started and a few snapshots of the difference students have made.
Global warming
Confronting the climate challenge
The hard-won progress we've made in the race against climate catastrophe is worth examining, and serves as a foundation for more significant, popular and durable change.
Litigation
Harnessing the law
Many of our laws give people the power to enforce the law, via the courts, when the government falls short. In more than 100 cases, Public Interest Network groups have exercised that power for the public and the planet.
Toxics
Preventing toxic tragedies
The unbridled use and disposal of toxic chemicals have resulted in too many lives lost and damaged. Learn how our staff and members won policies that have helped prevent more toxic tragedies.
Financial protection
Credit where credit is due
What happens when advocates, organizers and the public stand together against financial abuses? A new consumer agency is born. New credit card reforms pass. Credit freezes become free. And more.
Transportation
Transforming transportation
Cars that pollute less or not at all; buses that don’t spew diesel exhaust; alternatives to investing in highway expansion are three of the stories that are helping to transform transportation in America.
Clean air
Leaving dirty air in the past
Americans are no longer willing to bear smog and soot as the prices we pay for progress. See how our members and staff have organized and won action to clear the air.
Frontier Group
Research that matters
Since 1996, Frontier Group has provided a lasting home and dedicated staff for The Public Interest Network’s research and policy analysis–and a facts-first, solution-oriented approach to social problems.
Clean water
Bringing waters back to life
As the Clean Water Act turns 50, we share stories of cracking down on illegal pollution, shielding rivers from development, and restoring protections to streams and wetlands.
Green Corps
Training green organizers
Where can aspiring environmental organizers find the training and experience they need? Hear from some of those who turned a calling into a career with the help of Green Corps.
Democracy
A more perfect union
The success or failure of American democracy has always depended on advocates for reform. See how the staff and members of PIRG have done our part to meet this challenge over 50 years.
The activist pipeline
The activist pipeline
Training has long been a top priority for The Public Interest Network. Meet some of the changemakers who honed their craft with the benefit of our training and staff development.
Canvassing
Democracy at your doorstep
Over 40 years, PIRG and the Fund have worked to perfect the art of canvassing citizens for support, action and giving. Hear how these efforts created a legacy beyond numbers.
Shareholder advocacy
The power of green investing
Since its founding in 1991, Green Century has raised the standard for environmentally responsible investing and, in so doing, for corporate behavior on the environment.
